When I was young, I had extremely curly hair, but when my hair suddenly turned straight after having an appendectomy I wondered why hair texture changes. I always thought I would have curly hair for life. It never occurred to me that my hair texture could actually change. However, hair texture does change throughout a person’s life, and there are many reasons why hair texture changes, including medical and lifestyle reasons.
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1. Hormones
Hormones play a large role in hair texture, which is why changes in hormone levels often result in changes. The thyroid hormones are especially involved when it comes to hair texture. If you do not have enough thyroid hormones, your hair can become brittle and fall out. There are other hormones can make your hair change as well. For example, pregnancy hormones can make hair very thick and shiny. While hormones are a major reason for hair texture changes, there are other reasons why hair texture changes, including medication.
Hair texture can change for many reasons, such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and hormones. Hormones play a major role in hair texture, as changes in hormone levels can cause changes to the texture of the hair. The thyroid hormones are especially involved when it comes to hair texture, and if you do not have enough of these hormones, your hair can become brittle and fall out. Other hormones can also cause changes to your hair texture, such as pregnancy hormones, which can make hair very thick and shiny.
In addition to hormones, other factors can cause changes to hair texture. Stress can cause hair to become dry and brittle, while a poor diet can lead to thin and limp hair. Medication can also have an effect on hair texture, such as chemotherapy drugs, which can cause hair to become brittle and thin. Age can also cause hair texture to change, as hair tends to become thinner and more fragile as we get older. Genetics can also play a role in hair texture, as some people are born with thicker, coarser hair, while others are born with finer, thinner hair.
2. Medication
Certain medications can change the texture of your hair. As you may suspect, medications that regulate hormones can have a huge impact of hair texture. Thyroid medications and birth control pills can often make hair brittle. Sometimes people even experience hair loss on these medications. Other medications, such as those used to treat autoimmune diseases can also alter hair texture.
When hair becomes lifeless or coarse, chemotherapy drugs are often to blame. These powerful medications actively target rapidly dividing cells, which unfortunately can include hair follicles. This results in a changed hair texture or even hair thinning or loss. Antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, and cholesterol-lowering agents may also contribute to hair textural changes, although these side effects are less common. It's crucial to remember that not everyone will experience these changes, as the body's response to medication is highly individual. If you notice significant changes to your hair, consulting with your healthcare provider can help to identify the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Oh, there are so many reasons! It could be anything from hormonal changes, stress, diet, and even some medications. It’s like your hair is a fingerprint of what’s going on inside your body.
Absolutely! Some medications can have side effects that affect your hair. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you notice significant changes in your hair after starting any new medication.
There could be several reasons! Sudden changes in hair texture can be due to stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal shifts. Sometimes, it's your body's way of signaling that something's up.
First off, don't freak out! Try to figure out what's different in your life – new diet, stress levels, or medications. You could also talk to a hair specialist who might recommend some hair care products or treatments to help manage the change.
Yes, totally normal! Hair texture can change as we age, and it's all part of the natural journey. Embrace the changes and find new ways to love and care for your evolving hair!
3. Diet
What you eat can have a direct impact on the texture of your hair. Your hair needs certain nutrients to grow healthy and strong, and if these nutrients are lacking, your hair can become brittle, coarse, dull, or thin. For example, a deficiency in iron can result in brittle hair, which is one of the reasons you should eat iron rich foods like spinach, raisins, nuts, and legumes. You also need vitamin A, biotin, zinc, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids for healthy hair.
Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining the luscious locks you desire. Vitamin A promotes the production of sebum, which keeps hair moisturized, while biotin deficiencies are known for leading to hair thinning. Zinc supports hair growth and repair, and a lack of high-quality protein can result in weak and lifeless hair. Including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and avocados, helps nourish the hair and scalp. To ensure your hair remains as vibrant as possible, consider incorporating a variety of these nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals.
4. Medical Treatments
My appendectomy caused my hair texture to change dramatically, but other medical treatments can cause changes in hair texture as well. Chemotherapy often results in hair texture changes, especially when all of the hair is lost. As the hair begins to grow back it come back with a completely different texture. It can be thicker, curlier, or straighter.
In addition to chemotherapy, hormone therapy for conditions like breast cancer may also affect hair texture. Thyroid disorders, which can impact hormone levels, may lead to hair that feels coarse or fine. Even some medications for high blood pressure and depression have been known to alter the way our hair feels. It’s important to speak with your doctor if you notice changes; they might be able to alter your treatment to minimize these side effects. Remember, your health is priority, and there are often ways to manage these changes effectively.
5. Graying Hair
Hair texture changes when it begins to turn gray. Gray hair is naturally thicker and coarser, which is why people notice big changes in hair texture when gray hair starts to show. Since gray hair is thicker and coarser, it is a good idea to use moisturizing conditioners and hair masks. Adding moisture to gray hair can make it much softer.
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6. Over Styling
If you color, blow dry, curl, or straighten your hair frequently, your hair texture will probably become more dry and brittle. Styling your hair can be very damaging, which is why you may notice your hair looks dull and breaks easily. Thankfully, it is easy to fix the hair texture changes caused by styling. You just need to give your hair a break from styling for a while and embrace your natural texture!
7. Stress
Everyone experiences stress on a daily basis, but if you have a significant amount of stress, your hair texture may change. Specifically, it can become much thinner. This is because stress can make more hair follicles go into the resting phase, and when these hairs shed several months after the stressful event, you will have some hair loss. This is usually temporary, and in six months your normal hair texture should return.
I used to think that the hair texture you were born with is the hair texture you will have for life. However, that is not the case. Hair texture can change throughout your life for many reasons. Has your hair texture ever changed?
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